~~~ May 16, 2009 ~~~ Western Magic ~~~

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Welcome Texfinn!!!

I'll add you to the list for the FE group. Just let me know your cabin number when you get it.

Also, my favorite guidebook is the Passporter. You can get it online or at the bookstore. One of my favorite things about it are the pockets in the back where you can log your vacation notes and put receipts, etc into the pockets. They have a website and if you going there are some great worksheets available for download (packing lists, to do lists, budget planning etc).

J

 

[texfinn]

Thanks for the links Tigger! I went through them ALL yesterday. Seriously, need to work today!

The only ones that freaked me out a bit were on the child care center --- this issues with kids biting and ratios. I was hoping my kids will love it there. The only way we could justify spending the money on this trip was by considering it an "alone" trip as well as a family trip which means we do want some alone time.

Found my info on the room. We are a Cat 6 (although after reading all that, thinking Cat 12 was the way to go!) and in room 6568. We have a connecting room but don't need it so hoping that someone will and we will get something for giving it up? I read about that somewhere on one of the boards....

After all the reading yesterday, I am already thinking of what I want on my FE and what I can get to give everyone. I am from Texas, husband is from Finland so something from there might be fun. His Mom is visiting us before we go so maybe that is an idea? Also, need to make door magnets!!!!

This is soo much fun. I did order the Passporter book last night and can't wait for it to come in. I didn't want to wait for 2009 so went ahead and got 2008. I am still working out the excursions.

Does anyone on here have a 7 year old daughter? My DD will be finishing up 1st grade (we are pulling her out for a week, her last day is in June). She is pretty mature for her age so not sure if I should put her with the 5-7 or the 8 and up if they let me try that. Should I let her look at the activities and figure it out for herself? How important will it be for her to be with my DS (who is 4)?

I got pirate costumes -- GREAT pirate costumes for the kids but haven't figured us out yet. My DH isn't one to dress up but has promised me he will on the cruise. I told him it is time for us to let your hair down and be KIDS!!!

Ok, off to work. Thank you thank you thank you for all of the help and advice.

 

[lillygator]

Hi texxfinn - my dd's are 6 and (soon to be) 4 - I would let her look at the activities and see what she likes to do.

 

[lillygator]

I just got the girls new pirate costumes off ebay - they are so cute. DH and I need new ones though. Not sure if my mom and sister will be dressing up.

 

[Tink113]

Don't worry about the small things. This is my 3rd Disney cruise & there are still things that I have wanted to do but haven't yet because other things (ie. relaxing by the pool) seemed to get in the way.

From what I have read & found so far, here is the list of themed nights.
Saturday: Welcome Aboard, Sail Away Party
Sunday: No real theme Port: KEY WEST, FL
Monday: Golden Mickey (Formal Night) @ Sea
Tuesday: No real Theme Port: GRAND CAYMAN
Wed: Pirate Night Port: Cozumel
Thursday: Capt. Gala (Semi-Formal) night @ Sea
Friday: Til we meet again Port: Castaway Cay
Saturday: Back at home counting down the days til the next cruise

If any of this doesn't look right, please feel free to correct me guys.

Here are my best tips:
1) Don't try to do everything. You'll need a vacation after your vacation
2) Don't worry about the kidos. They are having the time of their lives
3) Bring Highlighters for the Navigators. They can be overwhelming. Highlight in diff colors the things you, DH, and kids want to do that day.
4) Stick your suitcase under your bed after you unpack. Makes the room feel so much better.
5) Have a Mickey wake up call at least once.
6) Order breakfast from room service on port days. Great way to make sure you wake up & everyone can eat while they are getting dressed.
7) See the shows. They are all good.
8) De-stress the min you are on board, there is always someone around taking care of things. (ie. meals, cleaning, luggage, etc.)
9) Order Mickey bars from Room Service (not on the menu, but they have them)
10) If you're celebrating, stop by guest services - they will most likely have a button for whatever the occasion.
11) if you want to tour the ship, get there early on disembarkation day. That's the only tour all cruise.

 

[austin77]

DGF and I just made a $500 payment on the trip... lol, still have $587.80 left to pay!!!

With all this snow were starting to get up here its easy to spend that money!!!

 

[austin77]

i Dont know if this has ever been posted but i think its kinda cool...

Jobs for Disney cruise line
http://dcljobs.com/islandlife.asp

 

[lillygator]

my balance is $1200 I think - gotta pay it off before 2/15!

 

[lucyddr]

my balance is $1200 I think - gotta pay it off before 2/15!

We're pretty close... $1088 for us and gotta be paid by 02-15 so that I can scedule my Palo "fixes!"

I think I'm going to purchase insurance pretty soon that covers "job" issues just in case something were to come up with my business that forced us to cancel. I'm going to research that a little more over the next few days, but it would probably be worth it for us.

 

[lillygator]

[/IMG]
this is what I got for the girls.

 

[texfinn]

What an adorable costume!!! I got my DD one from cracker barrel -- it is more a boy costume but I am going to have my mom change the sash to pink and she already has pink pirate ears. I got my DS one from the Disney Outlet that looks really cute. Now, just not sure about what we will wear -- nothing too fancy but still something fun would be great!

I have one question for y'all. What is the best hotel to stay at the night before?

 

[lillygator]

I think we are going to stay at the radisson at PC, we've always stayed at Disney the night before so this will be a first for us!

 

[jhart901]

Does anyone on here have a 7 year old daughter? My DD will be finishing up 1st grade (we are pulling her out for a week, her last day is in June). She is pretty mature for her age so not sure if I should put her with the 5-7 or the 8 and up if they let me try that. Should I let her look at the activities and figure it out for herself? How important will it be for her to be with my DS (who is 4)?

I don't have a daughter, but my DS is 7 and my little brother is 8. As far as the kids club (what my boys refer to the children's area as) (and someone correct me if I am wrong here) the kids who are older i.e. 7 spend time in both areas therefore they get to do pretend play in the club and the science computer stuff in the lab. But the staff are really flexiable and work with your family to meet whatever the kids needs are.

So i have been thinking (i know strange) it would be great if the kids from our group could already know each other so if any moms/ dads/ aunts/ uncles/ etc would like to do an email or even snail mail pen pal type thing for the kids I am game. Let me know what you guys think. If you don't like the idea I won't cry I promise.

Off to work Don't they know I have more important things to do like prepare for my cruise.

 

[texfinn]

Hotel -- Thinking of the Four Points by sheraton just because we can get it CHEAP with Starwood points. Has anyone been there?

Jamie -- LOVE the idea of getting the kids to know each other. I was talking to my DD yesterday about it and told her I would let her look at some of the pictures, etc. We also talked about making an FE and FE gifts. It would be fun to setup something like that. PM me and I'll send you my email if that works? I don't let my DD have an email account yet. We could do snail mail too if that is better for you. Let me know. Anyone else have kids that might want to "meet" before the cruise?

Ok -- I am REALLY going to work today...REALLY...

Have a good day!

 

[lillygator]

another day closer - still sick here....just checked to see if we were moved to early seating, not yet. Paid another $500...though so the balance is coming down.

Also, made my reservation with Nativesways in Grand Cayman - doing the Reef, Rays and Rum Point Tour.

 

[texfinn]

Have you been on tours with them before? Are you takign your kids? I have been hesitant about planning something so long with such little ones (DD 7 and DS 4). Would kids that age be up for a longer excursion and/or one that includes snorkeling?

Sorry for the million questions. I am still trying to catch up!

 

[lillygator]

Have you been on tours with them before? Are you takign your kids? I have been hesitant about planning something so long with such little ones (DD 7 and DS 4). Would kids that age be up for a longer excursion and/or one that includes snorkeling?

Sorry for the million questions. I am still trying to catch up!

haven't been with them before but they have great reviews. Yes, the kids are going as well. The girls have been on most all excursions with us. Even if your kids didn't snorkel they would probably have a blast on the boat. My girls are 6 and will be 4.

 

[lillygator]

also confirmed up with Gerry in Cozumel, we hired him to drive us around for three hours and then drop us at Paradise Beach, we'll take a taxi back. He will have a cooler in the van for us and we are going to stop for drinks at a market....should be a fun day! It will be the four of us and my mom and sister - I think the van holds 8 if anyone wants to join us, would help bring the cost down!

 

[jhart901]

lillygator

I think my family may be interested. I plan on doing the hike in Cozumel and that leaves my mom and the boys with nothing to do (Step-dad does not like to get off the ship). Could you please PM me with some information so I can talk to my mom about it.

 

[texfinn]

Lillygator -- that sounds interesting. I am behind the game with the excursions and need to figure out what our options are in Cozumel. Wanted to take the kids to swim with the dolphins but it sounds like DS will be too young. Do most of you book from the vendor or from DCL?

I read early on in the thread that you do not leave your kids on the ship while you go on land. Is this for safety reasons? I would love to leave them for an hour or two while I shop (they HATE to shop). Just wondering if that is something I should not plan on.

Sorry for all of the questions. After reading the boards am realizing I need to figure out excursions soon!!!!